Tips for the Creative Entrepreneur

The Triumph of Enthusiasm

If you’re a dog lover like me, you can appreciate the unbridled enthusiasm and energy they exhibit when they are doing what they are born to do. It’s equally fascinating to think about the trouble dogs forced to exist in an environment unsuited for their nature can get into.

I had a border collie once that got so bored with being cooped up in the house he decided to redecorate by stripping the wallpaper from the walls. When I impressed upon him that such behavior was unacceptable, he became so lethargic and uninterested in life that I thought he might be sick. But the minute he could cut loose to roam a nearby pasture looking for a domesticated animal to herd, he was like a new dog, jumping and running with the energy and enthusiasm of a young pup.

I dare say, keeping what we were meant to do always in mind in our creative endeavors has to have a similar effect. I know that the biggest hurdle I often struggle to overcome in my writing is to stop thinking about what I can sell and just write what I care deeply about. I’ve watched writers, musicians and artists wrestling with the same thing. It doesn’t take long for the lethargy to set in. And before you know it, you’re wondering what you saw in this whole “art” thing anyway.

Author and speaker Og Mandino said: “Every memorable act in the history of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no matter how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles.”

Ah, and doesn’t enthusiasm beget energy and imagination and genius? Trust what you love and pour your enthusiasm into it. The rest will follow. Could all the dogs in the world be wrong?

2 Responses

I love this post! I have two Catahoula’s (herding dogs) and they do like to have a job to occupy their time. Their enthusiasm and ability to focus, as Sadie stares at me while I type, she wants a treat, oh dear, I suppose I have spoiled her….